We have agreed to support a further two staff this year to sit their examination. Experienced lactation consultants are a valuable asset to a neonatal unit. In Christchurch we have one infant feeding specialist who is a qualified lactation consultant employed within the unit to support staff and parents with infant feeding. Any additional staff with training is a bonus and it is often gained through their own financial expense. The unit nurse manager is very supportive of study leave to attend training/exams. It is usually a personal interest or passion and not only adds to their own professional development, it also provides an additional resource for babies ,families and staff in NICU in helping achieving optimal feeding outcomes for sick and preterm neonates An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant (IBLCE). As such, a candidate for the IBLCE certification examination must have higher education in the health sciences, clinical practice in lactation and breastfeeding care and education in human lactation and breastfeeding. IBLCE Vision and Mission statements Vision IBLCE is valued worldwide as the most trusted source for certifying practitioners in lactation and breastfeeding care. Mission IBLCE establishes the highest standards in lactation and breastfeeding care worldwide and certifies individuals who meet these standards The trust is happy to financially support two registered nurses this year to sit their exams. In doing this we feel we are supporting the unit in providing care which supports breastfeeding and the Baby Friendly Hospital initiative of which Christchurch Women’s Maternity service and the neonatal unit is accredited for.